Tyonek Tapped For B-1B Advanced Digital Station | Babcock Started LIFEX On HMS Argyll | SLAF Inducted Dornier 228 Into Service

Americas

Tyonek Global Services won an $11 million deal for the B?1B Advanced Digital Test Station. The B-1B Lancer, also known as “The Bone”, is the US Air Force long-range strategic bomber developed by Rockwell International, now Boeing Defense And Space Group. The deal provides contractor logistics support services. Work will be performed in Warner Robins, Georgia, and is expected to be completed by August 7, 2027.

Sierra Nevada won a $9.6 million contract modification, which provides for the integration of a temporary Line of Sight Data Link-16 capability on HC-130J aircraft using portions of the Airborne Mission Networking. Work will take place in Colorado, Arizona, Georgia, Florida and California. Estimated completion date is October 15. 2023.

Middle East & Africa

VSE Corp. won an $86 million deal for Foreign Military Sales supportability follow-on technical support to provide eligible foreign navies access to a broad range of life cycle support, systems upgrades, systems integration, and other related efforts associated with the transfer and acquisition, operation, and maintenance of naval vessels and systems within their inventory. This ceiling increase is necessary to support an urgent sole source delivery order to VSE Corp. to provide material and labor in support of overhaul, maintenance, and repair of the Egyptian Navy long range maintenance plan schedule for four Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates (FFG-7 class ships), four fast missile crafts, and two mine hunter coastals. Estimated completion will be by March 2023.

Europe

The Yomiuri Shimbun says that Britain and Japan have decided that their next-generation fighter aircraft will share a common airframe and that the development plans are in final stages. The Japanese newspaper based its information on anonymous government sources. It says both countries’ requirements are nearly identical for their next fighter. It will lead to production efficiency and reduce costs. Italy might become a partner with defense giant Leonardo producing the jet’s radar with Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

Babcock International has started a post-life extension (LIFEX) on the UK’s Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll at Babcock Devonport’s Facility. It is the first Type 23 to begin its post-LIFEX upkeep, adopting a new innovative approach to re-certification at the  Frigate Support Centre (FSC). Babcock will be overhauling key equipment and carrying out design changes for new capabilities such as communications upgrades and mixed crewing.

Asia-Pacific

The Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) officially inducted a Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft into service at SLAF Base Katunayake on August 15. The aircraft is donated to Sri Lanka by India and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka attended the ceremony as well.

Today’s Video

WATCH: Slovak MiG-29 in action, part 12, go around and landing in pair by sunset and at night